In the fall of 2021, Jeannie Kay O’Reilly was seeking a place of renewal. She found the perfect location in Indianola, but the lot was mostly lawn. While there was a terrific view of Miller Bay, the longed-for flowers and planted garden beds were lacking. She was “mostly retired” and was looking for a space […]
design
Posted inHome
Trends From the 2025 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show
In February, the Las Vegas Convention Center was the site of Design and Construction Week, a combined trade show of the National Association of Home Builders International Builders Show and the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. The combined shows covered 1.2 million total square feet of indoor and outdoor display […]
Posted inGarden
A Garden of Pure Joy
The American poet Theodore Roethke stated, “Great Nature has another thing to do / To you and me; so take the lively air / And, Lovely, learn by going where to go.” When you wander into Donna and Tom Torrens’ Gig Harbor garden — with its breathtaking view of the harbor and Mount Rainier, even […]
Posted inAt Home
Choosing the Right Surface for Your Deck
The right decking material can affect the upkeep and lifespan of your deck, which will make a huge impact in the long-term cost of maintenance. For example, Trex, a composite deck board manufacturer, estimates that a pressure-treated deck can cost more than double the amount of its higher-end products over the course of 25 years […]
Posted inGarden
Enjoying Vista Gardens All Year Round
West Sound has three world-class gardens open to the public all year round. The smallest, Vista Gardens, at 4.5 acres, is tucked in against a hillside on 31st Street in East Bremerton. Perhaps 4.5 acres sounds small but this garden is home to myriad amounts of plants, literally thousands. For example, there are over 450 […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Touching People Through Art
Shirley Sakatani is a Kitsap artist who paints flowers based on her inspiration from Washington state’s flora. She lived in Southern California, and seeing the plants and foliage of this area was a new experience for her when she moved here in 1996. “I’ve always loved to do flowers,” she said. “But it is something […]
Posted inHome
Let There Be Light — Lighting Trends for 2025
From task lighting for food preparation, crafting and cleaning, to mood lighting for relaxation and entertaining, lighting both natural and artificial plays a pivotal role in how you use and enjoy a space. Equally important are lighting controls that allow you to change the purpose and functionality of lights to suit the time of day […]
Posted inAt Home
Minimalist vs. Maximalist: Finding Your Perfect Interior Style
The way a room is designed can instantly inspire calm or feel overwhelming. This often comes down to two contrasting styles: minimalism, which focuses on simplicity; and maximalism, which embraces bold expression. Each offers unique benefits and challenges, making the choice deeply personal. As we spend more time at home, our surroundings play a more […]
Posted inHome
Incredible Kitchens 2025
The kitchen is a cornerstone in any home. It’s where we cook dinner and where we gather with friends and family. Everyone wants a beautiful kitchen, but remember, this is a functional space as well. We feature 14 kitchens from West Sound industry professionals to provide you inspiration for your next dream kitchen project. Renewed […]